Orthopedic injuries and conditions are common in pets, particularly among dogs. Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease is an orthopedic condition resulting in limping, pain, and lameness. An effective surgical treatment for this disease is tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). Our Alpine Animal Hospital team describes CCL disease and how TPLO surgery can help alleviate your pet’s pain, so they can regain their mobility.

What is cranial cruciate ligament disease in pets?

The CCL, analogous to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in a person, is a vital stabilizing structure within a pet’s knee joint. The CCL’s fibrous tissues attach to the femur (i.e., thigh bone) and the tibia (i.e., shin bone), preventing shifting or overextension when your pet moves. CCL disease, also known as CCL rupture, occurs when the cruciate ligament is partially or entirely torn, sometimes as a result of rough play and injury. However, in most cases, the ligament degenerates over time. Along with ligament rupture attributable to trauma, other factors impact your pet’s CCL disease susceptibility:

  • Certain breeds — Labradors, rottweilers, boxers, West Highland White terriers, and Newfoundlands are prone to CCL disease, but all breeds have some risk.
  • High-impact exercise — Dogs who hunt, practice agility, and play games that involve intense running and twisting are more likely to sustain a CCL injury. 
  • Obesity — Overweight and obese pets who have CCL disease have a high complication risk because their extra weight puts a lot of pressure on the affected area. Obesity also increases the healing time after a CCL rupture. 
  • Age — Older pets are prone to CCL disease, as CCL wear and tear over the years  degenerates the tissues’ structural integrity, thus weakening the ligament. 
  • Structural abnormalities — Abnormal hind limb formation, such as being straight-legged, having patellar luxation—when the kneecap slides out of place—and other bone and joint abnormalities can contribute to CCL disease. 

Cranial cruciate ligament disease signs in pets

Pets’ obvious CCL injury or disease sign is limping. However, if your pet has CCL disease, they may exhibit other signs such as:

  • Lameness, particularly after exercise or physical activity
  • Difficulty bearing weight on the affected limb
  • Swelling or thickening around the knee joint
  • Difficulty squatting or sitting
  • Reluctance to engage in physical activities
  • Joint stiffness and discomfort
  • Difficulty getting comfortable
  • Lethargy

Cranial cruciate ligament disease diagnosis and treatment in pets

Our Alpine Animal Hospital team can diagnose CCL disease by performing your pet’s physical exam, gait analysis, and diagnostic imaging techniques such as X-rays, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans. These tests help assess ligament damage extent and concurrent joint changes.

CCL disease treatment typically involves surgical and nonsurgical approaches. While conservative nonsurgical management, such as rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy, may benefit some pets, typically small-breed dogs, surgical intervention is often necessary to restore knee joint stability and prevent long-term joint degeneration. However, without surgical intervention, most pets continue to limp or exhibit lameness, which makes surgery the preferred treatment. An effective surgical procedure to treat CCL disease is tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). 

Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy surgery for pets

TPLO is the most common surgical procedure performed to address CCL disease in dogs. During TPLO surgery, your veterinarian makes a precise cut in the top of the shin bone and rotates the bone to change the joint surface’s angle. This procedure alters the knee biomechanics, reducing the need for the CCL and stabilizing the joint during weight-bearing activities. 

TPLO is the most effective CCL surgery and is strongly recommended for large-breed dogs. Most dogs undergoing TPLO surgery have a successful outcome, with minimal or no complications. TPLO surgery offers several advantages over traditional surgical techniques, including:

  • Improved joint stability and function
  • Quicker recovery and return to normal activity
  • Reduced postoperative complication risks such as meniscal tears
  • Long-term pain reduction and osteoarthritis progression
  • Minimization of another CCL rupture postsurgery
  • Increased quality of life

While your pet may love to be rowdy and run, a CCL injury is a common orthopedic condition that can significantly impact their mobility and quality of life. TPLO surgery offers an effective solution for addressing CCL rupture, restoring joint stability, and alleviating pain. If your pet shows CCL injury or disease signs, contact our Alpine Animal Hospital team to discuss the best treatment options. Early intervention can help prevent further joint damage and promote a quick recovery for your furry pal.